The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-09-02
The woman.s r. elief Corps, G. A. r..


To the Editor of the indianapolis Journals
In recent issues of the Journal I notice quite
extended accounts of the proceedings of W.
r. G. convention held in your city the 18th
and 18th of August, and as many of your readers
may suppose the same to have been the lawful
ly authorized convention of that body, desire,
with your permission. to correct that impress
sion. No lawfully authorized convention was
called to meet at Indianapolis on the dates above
named, and the person or persons calling It have
standing at national headquarters of the W.
r. c., and are not themselves members of the
organization. It was stated in your report of
the meeting that delegates were present repre-
senting eighty five corps. This must be incor-
rect, for but forty eight corps have been legally
organized in this State, and but forty eight
corps are recognized by national headquarters.
1t follows then that all corps numbered above
forty -eight illegally constituted and that the
charters. rituals. badges and other effects fur
.nished them (if they have been furnished) have
been obtained and issued against the expressed
wish of the national president and national
treasurer, and consequently in surreptitious and
perhaps fraudulent manner. The charters and
rituals are copyrighted, the badges patented,
giving the corps thus organized cause for refec-
ton in view of the fact that they are liable to
injunction under the laws governing such mat
tiers. / do not think that the person or persons
organizing these corps Will claim that the
plies were obtained regularly, or through the
proper channels, and the query arises whether
success achieved through questionable practices
is anything to be proud Of may say also that
of the forty eight corps legally authorized of
them, No. 90, has had its charter revoked, and
some others fast approaching that state of
affairs in consequence of their disregard OF law
full authority. have further to say that of the
1876 members who composed the origina! and
legally-consttuted department of Indiana Wom-
ans Relief Corps 022 of them reported to
~ Lee T,rla hoal -
department now located at South Bend, and by
the department officers to national headquarters
San Francisco Cal.
If any of my statements herein be doubted
respectfully refer the doubtee to the national
president for confirmation of their truth. I
have refrained heretofore from rushing into
print preferring To rely upon the justice of the
cause represent and content to abide the &C.
ton of the national convention which is soon to
meet at ST. Louis, but matter of justice to
the loyal women who have SO nobly stood by
lawfully constituted authority, 1 now deem it
best to make the foregoing statement.
In conclusion | will ask the members of the
@. A. r.. Can you loyal members of your
post-whose authority to act comes from law
fully organized source-with full realization Of
your obligations and teachings countenance the
organization of an auxiliary when done in an
unlawful or questionable manner2 Apply it to
your own organization and what recognition
would post have that would rebel against and
ignore the department and national authorities
To the ladies who through ignorance willful
disregard of rules and regulations have
united with these unlawful organizations. 1
quote the advice of our national president: ''Do
not sail under false coors, and do not wear the
emblems or parade under the name of an orga-
nization unless you are willing to be loyal to its
onstituted authority"
Pardon the length of this communication. But
knowing the widespread circulation of the Jour
nal, and the prominence it has given the Indi-
annapolis meeting l feel warranted in as king the
publication of this statement and am very
respectfully, LORETTA J. GoRsUCH
Department President Indiana w. r. c.
SOUTH BEND, Aug 81.